Today is September 28

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Zechariah, chapter 8.

4 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”
6 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the LORD Almighty.
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”

This Old Testament passage contains something most of us might miss... a significant and interruptive promise. In Zechariah’s time Jerusalem’s walls were ruined and the city was not safe and secure. It would not have been filled with old men and old women or, safe for boys and girls playing in its streets. The prophet is speaking to a people who are still living in the wreck and rubble... with a wall that won’t be properly rebuilt around their city for another sixty or so years. How do you think these words of promise and hope would have sounded to them?

God is reminding His people that He is faithful, and He is righteous. That he has the power to save and restore that which seems lost. But even as He reminds them of this, they still must hold to his words with patience, and in hope. How is that for you? To trust in God’s character and to hope in His words even as you look around, and things aren’t yet fulfilled?

Many people today live on streets that are not safe for the old or the young. Many people live in places of wreck and rubble. Think about what that means for many us, who are followers of God and God’s kingdom and who have resource to be builders, or helpers? When we hear these promises of God, as Christians, they’re meant to remind us that we ourselves are called the body of Christ in the world. And just as Jesus is faithful and righteous, we are called to demonstrate His faithfulness, and His righteousness. How might you be called, this week, to be a part of that Kingdom work in the world – and on the streets – around you?

Music Credit:
"The Gospel" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)